Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 2: Odisha has launched a zero-tolerance crackdown on fertilizer black-marketing. The state government says supplies remain adequate across all districts.Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced the enforcement drive. It targets hoarding, diversion, and sale of substandard fertilizers.
Massive Enforcement Drive Across the State
Authorities have raided 11,684 fertilizer shops so far this financial year. Show-cause notices were issued to 2,774 individuals for irregularities.Sales by 321 dealers have been temporarily suspended. Licenses of 170 dealers were suspended for unfair trade practices.
Additionally, 96 dealer licenses were cancelled outright. Stocks belonging to 12 erring dealers have been seized.
Criminal cases have been registered against seven dealers. Action was taken under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985. Cases also invoke the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. District and block-level Enforcement Squads are driving the operation. Inspection teams include officers from Revenue, Agriculture, and Police. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav is overseeing the enforcement.
Sharp Rise Over Last Year’s Numbers
This year’s enforcement far exceeds 2025-26 figures. Last year saw raids at 9,017 fertilizer shops statewide.
Show-cause notices then went to 2,373 individuals only. Sales suspensions covered just 48 dealers last year. License action was taken against 53 dealers in 2025-26. Seizures affected 15 dealers, with cases against nine. Officials say the stepped-up drive is working well. Farmers now find fertilizers more accessible and affordable.
Kandhamal Raid Seizes 700 DAP Bags A joint raid hit Maa Sabitri Agro Agency on August 29. The raid took place in Baliguda, Kandhamal district.
Tahasildar, Agriculture officials, and Police conducted the operation jointly. They seized 700 bags of DAP fertilizer on-site. The shop’s license was cancelled immediately after the raid. A criminal case has been filed, with investigation ongoing.
Boudh District Under Continued Scrutiny
Raids have continued for two days in Boudh’s Manamunda block. Officials acted on tip-offs from multiple local sources. Teams are recording statements from farmers at shops. Boudh’s Chief District Agriculture Officer promised further action if needed.
Government Urges Farmers Not to Panic
Officials confirm adequate fertilizer stock at every selling point. There is no cause for concern, the government said. The state remains committed to regulating fertilizer supply closely. Authorities are monitoring the Kharif 2026-27 season continuously. Farmers are advised to ignore rumours circulating locally. They should buy only from authorised dealers at controlled prices.
